Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Thermometers reflect the temperature. Thermostats set the temperature. It is so critical in this critical time of year to "feel your feelings" because, as the leader in your business, you are the thermostat, no matter what. The only question is: What's your setting?
Thermometers. I was reminded of this concept by a sermon two weeks ago. Our reverend Jim used this analogy (not his original idea, it's been around for a while), as to how we are to live our lives as Christians in the world. It holds so true to our business lives, I had to share it with you today. We all know "Thermometers" and have them on our staff. Do you have someone who gets bored quickly when things slow down? Who get frazzled when it gets hectic? Who adds to the argument that someone else starts? Who joins the crowd standing around talking?
They are Thermometers. They are people who merely reflect the "temperature" of the room. If it's hot they are hot. If it's cold they are cold. They tend toward "victim-speak", as in "There's nothing I could do" or "He made me feel bad." Unfortunately, you cannot change a Thermometer. They are who they are and, since long ago I've encouraged you to relinquish your job of Master of the Universe, it's not your job to fix them.
Dealing with Thermometers. The good news about Thermometers is that they are controllable. You know exactly how it's going to go: They will reflect the temperature of the room no matter what. So all you have to do is control the temperature.
Thermostats. Thermostats control the temperature of the room. If it's too hot, they cool it down. If it's too cool, they heat things up. You all know Thermostats. The positive ones are the people you like to be around. They keep the fun going. They lift everyone's spirits. They make hectic fun. They make work a game. When they are around all the Thermometers are having fun and working hard, too.
Broken Thermostats. There are negative Thermostats. They throw fuel on a fire. They bring everyone down when they are having a bad day. They can walk into a hectic situation and make it explode with negativity. When they are moping around, everyone is moping around. Remember: The Thermometers merely reflect the temperature set by the Thermostat and sometimes Thermostats get broken. If you've got a chronically broken Thermostat, replace it.
You are a Thermostat, whether you like it or not. You are the leader, so, no matter what, you are the largest Thermostat in the room. We all get tired, have frustrating days, problems to deal with, payroll to make, guests to please and we get worn out during this long season. Too bad. Buck up little camper because your attitude and your actions set the temperature for the rest of the room. You've got to find a way to set the temperature where it needs to be so all your little Thermometers can do their jobs.
There's nothing more frustrating than a whole team of Thermometers out of whack when you are busy with guests. When it happens, maybe this weekend, you better quickly check your Thermostat. If you find that your other Thermostats are on the wrong setting, pull them aside and encourage them to keep up appearances for the sake of their team of Thermometers who are watching closing to get a reading.
What's your setting? You're almost there. We're almost through the season. You can do it! I hope this "warms you up a bit", so you can set your temperature for the weekend and for you team.
Have a great October weekend,
Hugh
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